At the time, in late 19th, early 20th century many states in the [[Directory:United States|United States]] did not allow fights between mixed races and boxing was illegal in general (part of useless Frawley Law just like Prohibition)! In Chicago, some boxing fans fondly remember him as a good trainer. He was the owner of Nichol's Gym where many famous boxers trained including Bob Satterfield, Sonny Liston when he was starting out; also Bob 'Belt Em, Grinder' Baker & others. Baker was rocky marciano's final logical challenger but Rocky & Weill avoided him; IBC President Norris said if Rocky (49-0) does not fight by February he may never again. He was to fight him in early 1956 between January 4 & February 3 1956[http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:75447] (first quarter of 1956)! Rocky had golden opportunity to earn golden 50-0 record if he had defeated him but it would not have been easy for the first 10 rounds, Baker was also body builder with solid chin. At the time Baker had best record of all world's heavyweight contenders. After losing to Archie Moore he was never KO'D, OR TKO'D again! Such rare feat speaks for itself. His record was excellent & he was in his prime. | At the time, in late 19th, early 20th century many states in the [[Directory:United States|United States]] did not allow fights between mixed races and boxing was illegal in general (part of useless Frawley Law just like Prohibition)! In Chicago, some boxing fans fondly remember him as a good trainer. He was the owner of Nichol's Gym where many famous boxers trained including Bob Satterfield, Sonny Liston when he was starting out; also Bob 'Belt Em, Grinder' Baker & others. Baker was rocky marciano's final logical challenger but Rocky & Weill avoided him; IBC President Norris said if Rocky (49-0) does not fight by February he may never again. He was to fight him in early 1956 between January 4 & February 3 1956[http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:75447] (first quarter of 1956)! Rocky had golden opportunity to earn golden 50-0 record if he had defeated him but it would not have been easy for the first 10 rounds, Baker was also body builder with solid chin. At the time Baker had best record of all world's heavyweight contenders. After losing to Archie Moore he was never KO'D, OR TKO'D again! Such rare feat speaks for itself. His record was excellent & he was in his prime. |